\Au*re"o*la\, Aureole \Au"re*ole\, n. [F. aur['e]ole,
fr. L. aureola, (fem adj.) of gold (sc. corona crown), dim.
of aureus. See {Aureate}, {Oriole}.]
1. (R. C. Theol.) A celestial crown or accidental glory added
   to the bliss of heaven, as a reward to those (as virgins,
   martyrs, preachers, etc.) who have overcome the world, the
   flesh, and the devil.
2. The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters
   surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ,
   saints, and others held in special reverence.
Note: Limited to the head, it is strictly termed a nimbus;
      when it envelops the whole body, an aureola.
      --Fairholt.
3. A halo, actual or figurative.
         The glorious aureole of light seen around the sun
         during total eclipses.                --Proctor.
         The aureole of young womanhood.       --O. W.
                                               Holmes.
4. (Anat.) See {Areola}, 2.